From Johns Hopkins:
The disease can spread from person to person. Transmission usually occurs only after the patient develops a fever and rash.
From the NYC Dept of Public Health:
Smallpox is transmitted by respiratory secretions, most efficiently during the early stages of the rash illness; it is generally believed that close person-to-person proximity is required for reliable transmission to occur. Patients are considered infectious from the time of development of the eruptive exanthem (usually 2-3 days after fever begins) until all scabs separate.
Yes, exactly. Thank you.
The point is about the question of transmission without obvious symptoms -- the pox or incapacitation and the answer is yes.
That would be after symptoms in most cases, such as fever, but not always, but not the obvious small pox symptoms.
Your thinking, symptoms - aches, fever, mucosal rash.
We are thinking, symptoms -- pox on the body starting to break out.
In the context of a small pox epidemic, the early signs would be understood.
But currently, some people would think they are under the weather, maybe achy with the flu and still go about their business.